Colombia’s Defense Ministry unveiled the “Dragom”, the country’s first domestically produced military drone. The reveal was made yesterday at the F-AIR Aeronautical Fair in Rionegro, near Medellin.
The drone was developed by the Colombian Aeronautical Industry Corporation (CIAC S.A.) with a team of engineers, technicians, and military experts. The drone is designed for reconnaissance and precision-guided strike missions.
Colombia’s military drone has over 90 minutes of flight autonomy
The drone is fully equipped with autonomous takeoff, landing, dual high-definition cameras, integrated launch software, satellite navigation and encrypted communication channels.
Additionally, it is capable of lifting up to 10 kilograms (22.0462 pounds) and can operate in three modes, manual, semi-automatic and fully autonomous. This, according to the team, makes the machine adaptable to diverse environments such as the jungle, mountains and plains.
📍Jose Maria Cordova International Airport, #Colombia (🇨🇴)
Demonstration of the @CIAC_ “Dragom” UAV at #FAIR2025.pic.twitter.com/5lil2JL2Ij https://t.co/Sw3w96lbmK
— SA Defensa (@SA_Defensa) July 10, 2025
An official from the Defense Ministry told local media outlets that the Dragom will initially be deployed in complex operational areas such as Cauca, Nariño, Putumayo and Arauca, home to major guerrilla and paramilitary movements. The official said, “This platform will enhance our ability to conduct surveillance, command and control, logistical support and protection of critical infrastructure.”
Dragom is expected to reduce operational costs
In addition to intelligence and offensive roles, the Dragom military drone is expected to reduce operational costs for Colombia. Officials also project that the drone will improve the country’s budget efficency, as well as improving Colombia’s technological and military soverignty.
The drone will also serve as a key logistical tool for the army as it will also be used to transport supplies such as food and equipment to troops stationed on remotes areas of the country.
The Defense Ministry also plans to begin operational trials of the Dragom in the coming weeks, as part of a broader effort to mitigate the current security crisis in Colombia.